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Archive for November, 2009

SkokieNet produces web video on I-GO

Monday, November 30th, 2009

SkokieNet.org, a great community website run by the Skokie Public Library, just created a fantastic video on I-GO Car Sharing coming to Skokie. Frances Roehm, a triple-threat librarian who edits the site and helped shoot the video, worked with 16-year-old videographer whiz kid Erica Mui, who shot footage, edited it, and served as on-camera interviewer. Check out the carefully composed shots, fades, and soundtrack. Hard to believe this was edited by a high schooler. Impressive, Erica! Look out, Sofia Coppola.

I-GO uses two village-donated spaces in a parking lot behind Memorial Park at Oakton Street and Lincoln Avenue. They’re near the library and Skokie Village Hall.

Lots of politicians talk green…

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Lots of politicians talk green. Not so many live by the credo. Partisan views aside, it’s admirable that… http://bit.ly/4RhdIK

Congressman Mike Quigley suppo…

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Congressman Mike Quigley supports I-GO Car Sharing http://bit.ly/6CUvJo

Congressman Mike Quigley suppo…

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Congressman Mike Quigley supports I-GO Car Sharing http://bit.ly/6CUvJo

Quigley supports I-GO

Monday, November 30th, 2009


Illinois Fifth District Congressman Mike Quigley’s Chicago office now has an I-GO business member account. It makes sense when you check out the local pol’s environment and energy policy statement on his website, which talks about combating carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. Car sharing, of course, fits well within that agenda.

We contacted his office to find out why he decided to go with I-GO. Here’s what Congressman Quigley had to say:

“Protecting the environment was the reason I first got involved in politics. I’m a lifelong Sierra Club member, taught environmental policy at Loyola University, and I ride my bike to meetings all over Washington—including the White House. Developing renewable energy, improving green technologies, and reducing carbon emissions are at the heart of both my legislative agenda and personal beliefs. Taking public transit and enrolling our office in a car-sharing program like I-GO that features hybrid vehicles are ways for me to practice what I preach and continue to do whatever I can to help preserve our planet.”—Congressman Mike Quigley

Curious to learn how an I-GO business account can help your organization save money and the environment? Read more here ››.

Come to “I-GO’s Holiday Celebr…

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Come to “I-GO’s Holiday Celebration” Thursday, December 3 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Merchandise Mart, 222… http://bit.ly/8JMcQD

On the other hand, I-GO’s holi…

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

On the other hand, I-GO’s holiday party – Thurs, Dec 3, at the Merchandise Mart – has everyone in agreement. Free… http://bit.ly/8VDum1

“Near term.” “Possible reducti…

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

“Near term.” “Possible reductions.” “Interim agreement.” Eesh. Sounds like the same old dog and pony show shaping… http://bit.ly/8mVbu3

“Near term.” “Possible reducti…

Tuesday, November 24th, 2009

“Near term.” “Possible reductions.” “Interim agreement.” Eesh. Sounds
like the same old dog and pony show shaping… http://bit.ly/8tjTMy

Skokie Review covers I-GO expansion

Monday, November 23rd, 2009


The Skokie Review recently published a nice, comprehensive overview of I-GO’s move into the near north suburb. The two I-GO cars in Skokie—a 2009 Honda Insight hybrid and Honda CR-V—are part of I-GO’s ongoing suburban expansion initiative, which seeks to spread the wide-ranging benefits of car sharing across the metro area. The cars are located near the Skokie Village Hall and Public Library.

We found this old image of a Skokie logo and motto of yesteryear on the web. Times have changed, no doubt. And Skokie didn’t quite assume the title of “world’s largest village.” But by instituting progressive policies like alternative, sustainable transportation, village officials give Skokie the right to still call itself a “village of vision.”

I-GO holiday party update

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009


Earlier this week we emailed our holiday party invite to I-GO members. We’ll send it out again in a few days, with some additional details. But if you didn’t see it yet, and would like to attend our annual bash, we’ve posted the invitation on our site. Check it out, and then just email us at greenparty@igocars.org with the names of those attending and their email addresses (so we can contact everyone with any updates or reminders).

It’s gonna be a great one this year. Merchandise Mart Properties has generously provided us with a killer space, and several other business supporters are pitching in with food and drink, prizes, and more. We’ll be updating folks as the attractions expand! The one thing that won’t expand: your waistline. We’re dishing up healthy holiday fare with organic flair. Mmmm. Now that’s a green holiday party.

RSVP to I-GO’s holiday party a…

Monday, November 16th, 2009

RSVP to I-GO’s holiday party at the Merchandise Mart! – http://eepurl.com/e0Vm

will be talking about green Ca…

Monday, November 16th, 2009

will be talking about green Car Sharing and technology at this week’s Tech Thursday! A great networking event that… http://bit.ly/3LHZJf

I-GO featured in Chicago Reader’s “Straight Dope” column

Friday, November 13th, 2009

Cecil Adams gives Reader fans the lowdown on car sharing, how it works, and how members contribute to the program in the Straight Dope, the Reader’s venerable, plucky column. Looks good to us. Thanks for spreading the word, Cecil!

I-GO is featured in the Chicag…

Friday, November 13th, 2009

I-GO is featured in the Chicago Reader’s “Straight Dope” column this week http://bit.ly/3wVoHN

Our pals at CMAP are holding a…

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Our pals at CMAP are holding a photo contest for NE Illinois shutterbugs http://bit.ly/1Ws3lF

Our pals at CMAP are holding a…

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Our pals at CMAP are holding a photo contest for NE Illinois http://bit.ly/snc5v

Lights…camera…Illinois!

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

Our friends at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) are holding a photo contest. Here are the basics:

CMAP is asking residents of Cook, DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, Lake, and Kendall counties to pull out their cameras and capture what they value about the region. CMAP’s “2009 Images of Northeastern Illinois Photo Contest” runs through the end of November.

Two winners (a first prize and runner-up) will be selected in each of the following categories, along with one overall contest winner and runner-up:

  • Diversity (people, places, art, culture, food)
  • Community Vitality (walkable, vibrant places; retail; neighborhood pride)
  • Natural Environment (lakes, rivers, preserves, parks, sky, wildlife)
  • Architecture/Urban Design (plazas, buildings, neighborhoods, boulevards)
  • Transportation (pedestrians, bikes, cars, boats, trains, planes, etc.)

Awards will include prizes donated by local businesses and a showcase of the winners’ photos at a location to be announced. Submissions to the contest may also be featured on CMAP’s web site and in print publications (with prior consent only).

More details and full contest rules are posted online. You can also contact Lindsay Banks with questions: (312) 386-8826 or email photo@cmap.illinois.gov.

Need inspiration? Take a peek at some pix shot by previous winners, like Tom Rand’s stark depiction of Calumet Beach in winter:

@schmap_chicago Schmanks for …

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

@schmap_chicago Schmanks for the schmupport, Schmap.it

You’re invited to I-GO’s holid…

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

You’re invited to I-GO’s holiday party! – http://eepurl.com/eO1C

You’re invited to I-GO’s holid…

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

You’re invited to I-GO’s holiday party! – http://eepurl.com/eO1C

Get your jollies with I-GO

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009


Enjoy parties? Making new, likeminded friends? Networking in a sleek setting that swaps seminars for DJ beats, festive libations, and raffle prizes? Then SAVE THE DATE: I-GO is throwing a holiday party for members and their friends Thursday evening, December 3, at the Merchandise Mart. (Just wait until you see the view from our sweet digs.) Admission? Gratis. Bonus prize: It takes place in conjunction with the Mart’s “One of a Kind Show and Sale,” easily one of Chicago’s best holiday shopping bazaars, featuring unique gifts from more than 500 artists, artisans, and designers. And if you come to the party, you get into the show for free. Can’t beat that one with a candy cane. Stayed tuned for future posts with more details and RSVP info.

SAVE THE DATE: I-GO is throwin…

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

SAVE THE DATE: I-GO is throwing a holiday party Thurs, Dec. 3, at the Merchandise Mart. It takes place in… http://bit.ly/2NVjxW

And two along the Orange Line …

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

And two along the Orange Line in McKinley Park & Bridgeport: 3528 S. Leavitt St. (next to CTA Orange Line station… http://bit.ly/1aLQIz

Just added two cars in Des Pla…

Tuesday, November 10th, 2009

Just added two cars in Des Plaines at 1501 Ellinwood St. (between Lee & Pearson streets) across from the Metra… http://bit.ly/270TcK

A nifty 350

Monday, November 9th, 2009


On October 24, people in 181 countries came together for the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet’s history. At more than 5,200 events—organized by 350.org, an international campaign dedicated to building a movement to unite the world around solutions to the climate crisis—people gathered to call for action on the crisis.

I-GO took part in one, Oak Park’s “Halfway to Earth Day” event at 833 S. Euclid, where we just added two cars: a Honda Civic and a new 2010 Honda Insight hybrid.

The hybrid car was a fitting backdrop visual for participants, which included students from Oak Park & River Forest High School, Village President David Pope, and State Senator Don Harmon.

I-GO participates in green events year-round. Check our upcoming events calendar to find out where we’ll be next.

@PivotEcoFashion Glad we coul…

Friday, November 6th, 2009

@PivotEcoFashion Glad we could help! Hope you got your errands done. http://bit.ly/xGEs

RT @GenGreen: Amazing: Special…

Friday, November 6th, 2009

RT @GenGreen: Amazing: Special flowers in Prius factory reduce temperature and greenhouse gasses http://j.mp/33FL1o #fb

RT @afreshsqueeze: Awesome! @i…

Friday, November 6th, 2009

RT @afreshsqueeze: Awesome! @igocarsharing is now on the ride with squeeze card! Check out http://www.igocars.org and http://www.squeezecard.com

Metra updates its website too

Friday, November 6th, 2009

metra_logo
Must be something in the air. We’re revamping our site, and just noticed that so, too, has Metra. If you were familiar with their old one, man, are you gonna love Metra’s new, improved version. Sooo much better.

Whoa. Metra’s new website is s…

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Whoa. Metra’s new website is sooo much better! http://bit.ly/niyi8

Whoa. Have any of you seen Met…

Friday, November 6th, 2009

Whoa. Have any of you seen Metra’s new web site? Just saw it for the first time. Soooo much better than their old… http://bit.ly/1IGTjh

And one more! (Man, we’ve been…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

And one more! (Man, we’ve been busy.) We just added a new online application program for companies joining as… http://bit.ly/4qY34N

And that’s not all: We’ve also…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

And that’s not all: We’ve also created a new damage fee waiver program that saves members big in the event of an… http://bit.ly/1KbxK1

I’m sure everyone will appreci…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

I’m sure everyone will appreciate this one. I-GO just debuted a new discount reservations program this week on… http://bit.ly/3Lk4g5

And a new damage fee waiver pr…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

And a new damage fee waiver program. Man, we’ve been busy http://bit.ly/1tyyhk

I-GO also just launched a new …

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

I-GO also just launched a new online business member sign-up program http://bit.ly/3vgzJI

I-GO just launched a new disco…

Thursday, November 5th, 2009

I-GO just launched a new discount car-sharing program http://bit.ly/3A87L3

I-GO web site gets makeover, promotes new discount cars

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

You may have noticed our web site looks a lot different today. That’s because we’ve spent a lot of time reorganizing it, editing and updating content, and tweaking the design a bit here and there. We’re not done with it just yet, but we think it’s an improvment, and we hope our members and visitors to our site agree.

The member log-in is now located in the upper right corner of every page on the site, including, of course, the home page.

The News page on the site now features our blog, media coverage, and various social media interaction (Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, and Vimeo). We’ve also add a new business membership online application program that lets companies and their employees sign up directly on our site. (Formerly, this was a person-to-person offline process.)

And check out our new Discount Cars and Damage Fee Waiver programs, too.

The Discount Cars program is a real bargain: $1 off an array of cars we designate at the beginning of every month. Car sharing is all about saving you money, and we hope this benefits your bank account even more.

Hope that you like the site’s new look, and it’s easier to find what you’re looking for.

just got a makeover! Check ou…

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

just got a makeover! Check out our new look! http://bit.ly/3udk09

Who likes makeovers? I-GO doe…

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009

Who likes makeovers? I-GO does! Check out our brand new look: http://www.igocars.org/

Suburu supports I-GO

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

Big thanks to Chicago’s Mid City Suburu for generously providing I-GO with a beautiful, new, 2010 Suburu Legacy mid-size sedan. Great to see them supporting car sharing in Chicago. Car was dropped off at our office last week and will be located at Lakeshore East’s awesome Aqua tower, 225 N. Columbus Dr. Need to show a business client around town? Got a date to impress? This’ll do.

I-GO expands into Des Plaines

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

We will be continuing with our suburban expansion by adding two cars in Des Plaines in November. A Toyota Prius hybrid and Honda Insight hybrid will be going into City Parking Lot 9 on the south side of Miner Street, between Lee and Graceland Streets.

Our 13,000-plus members have 24/7 access to more than 200 hybrid and low-emission vehicles in Chicago, Oak Park, Evanston, Skokie, Forest Park, and now Des Plaines as well.

New I-GO location with a Blue …

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

New I-GO location with a Blue Honda Fit at 1618 N Hermitage in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area! Check it out! http://www.igocars.org/locations

New I-GO location with a Blue …

Monday, November 2nd, 2009

New I-GO location with a Blue Honda Fit at 1618 N Hermitage in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area! Check it out! http://bit.ly/28lkok